Instill harmony into power structure of East Asia

• Source: Global Times
• [01:45 November 06 2009]
• Comments

Despite skeptical questioning by the outside world, China still endorses the idea of creating a harmonious world. Equality and peaceful coexistence are the foundation of engagement between different countries.

Every country is entitled to its rights; each has a different preferred system of governance; and all must take the interests of other countries into consideration when deploying forces outside their own borders.

China will honor these principles as it participates in the creation of a new mechanism in the Asia-Pacific region, one that shifts from the balance-of-power model to a new one based on cooperation and mutual benefit.

China's ambitions do not include dominating the political and economic scene in East Asia. It opposes any country claiming hegemony within the region and is against national alliances built on military ties.

Worried though they may be, neither China's neighbors nor the West have provided any proof that China aims to become a regional superpower.

The talk of a power balance is reflective of an old mindset that will not have a positive impact on the region as it moves out of this transitional period.

In modern history, China has tried to be an example of how a rising power can minimize uncertainty and apprehension among other nations.

That is a worthwhile effort, one that should continue through rethinking the importance of harmony in the East Asia power structure.